Young Scientist 2016: Five projects you should see

Some highlights to look out for if you’re planning a visit to the RDS

The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is currently on at Dublin’s RDS and will run for another two days. Here are five projects you should take a look at:

- Keeping safe when cycling through traffic can be a challenge but “Cycle Sense” should help, a traffic motion sensor for bicycles. It warns of approaching traffic and was developed by Róisín Noonan of Comprehensive School, Tarbert, Kerry.

- Why pay for water if you can collect it free from the sky? Ben Lanigan of St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny has developed a system that uses rainwater in radiators and toilets and saves the cost of using treated water.

- Savings can also be made by using an invention developed by Annie Nichol, Laoise Murray and Jessica Fitzgerald of St Brendan’s Community School in Offaly. They save the electricity used in outdoor Christmas lighting by using retro reflective material that lights up in headlights.

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- Students from St Mary’s College Rathmines developed a “computer doctor” that can keep tabs on biometric details used in primary care. Aidan Dowling, Edward Cleary-Moylan and Jack Brady used a PC and Microsoft Kinect technology to collect data on medical status and movement.

- Jack Nagle and Eoghan McKenna of Killorglin Community College, Kerry came up with an idea to keep a sleeping baby safe from reflux, the “Dreamy Baby Prop”. It uses a simple lever to elevated a baby in a cot or crib as it sleeps without the need for extra pillows or other means.

The exhibition opens to the public on Thursday and visitors are welcome from today through Saturday.

Tickets are only sold at the door - they cost €6 for students and concessions, and adult tickets are €12. Family tickets for two adults and two children cost €25 and there are reduced rates for primary and secondary school parties over 20 or more. Teachers accompanying these groups enter for free.

Dick Ahlstrom

Dick Ahlstrom

Dick Ahlstrom, a contributor to The Irish Times, is the newspaper's former Science Editor.